http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/story?id=4947436&page=1
This article tells about some rural school districts across America that are considering shortening their school week to four days instead of the traditional five in order to save money on gas. At first glance, this seems like a great idea for both adults and kids. Kids get a three day weekend, and adults have to pay fewer taxes to support the bus system.
However, if one thinks about further effects, this really wouldn't save the communities any money at all. Yes, the school district would save on gas in the short run, but in the long run students still must complete a set number of school hours, by law, in order to move ahead. By cutting out days during the week the school year will have to be made longer, meaning more bus rides. Another area of spending that will increase if the school week is cut is childcare. Parent's won't be able to cut their work week to coincide with their children's weekend, so they will have to pay for childcare or some other mode of security to make sure their children are safe while they are away. This could also lead to increased driving by teens. I know from personal experience that if we have a three day weekend instead of the normal two we are out late Sunday nights just because we can be; driving to movies or friends houses or simply to Frosties.
I personally believe that the school districts considering this change should look at all the changes the community will have to make to accommodate this before making anything final.
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What if they just made the school day longer? If each school went until say, 6:00, each day, then they wouldn't have to add days to the school calender, and parents might not have to pay for, and drive to, after school care.
It just might work.
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